Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Here is the whole sequence. -- youtu.be/Km1PZog7af8
This television show appeared on public television in 1968, the height of the debate about the Vietnam War.
During the Vietnam War era, the perspectives on patriotism, duty, and the war itself were deeply divided. One side of the debate was represented by individuals and groups who maintained a "my country, right or wrong" stance, believing strongly in supporting their country's actions and policies, including the war effort in Vietnam. This viewpoint often reflected a sense of national loyalty and a belief in the importance of standing behind one's country's decisions, particularly during times of conflict.
On the other side were those who believed that dissent and opposition to the war could also be forms of patriotism. These individuals often felt that true patriotism involved holding one's country to higher standards and principles, even if that meant opposing its actions. They argued that by refusing to participate in what they viewed as an unjust or immoral conflict, they were upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
The question of whether a deserter can be considered a patriot is subjective. From a legal standpoint, desertion is seen as a criminal act, especially during times of war, as it involves abandoning one's duty to the military and, by extension, to one's country. However, moral and ethical considerations can complicate this view. Some argue that true patriotism sometimes requires challenging unjust or immoral policies. In this view, a deserter who refuses to serve in what they believe to be an unjust or immoral conflict might be seen as acting in the best interests of their country's true values, thus framing their actions as a form of patriotic resistance.
In times of widespread support for a military action, deserters are more likely to be vilified. Conversely, in situations where public opinion turns against a conflict, deserters who acted on moral or ethical grounds may gain more sympathy and even admiration for their courage to resist.
Some philosophers and ethicists argue that patriotism should not be uncritically synonymous with government or military policy support, believing that a true patriot might be someone who acts according to their conscience, striving to uphold their nation's values even when that means opposing its policies or military actions.
Legally a deserter is a member of the armed forces who willfully abandons their duty without the intention to return. The Uniform Code of Military Justice which is the foundation of military law in the U.S., specifies the penalties for desertion. Under the law desertion carries severe penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment, forfeiture of pay, dishonorable discharge, and even the death penalty under certain wartime conditions, although the latter was rarely applied by 1967.
If this had meaning for you, please consider supporting my efforts by Patreon: patreon.com/allinaday and Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/allinaday12
Thank you.
Here is the whole sequence. -- youtu.be/Km1PZog7af8
This television show appeared on public television in 1968, the height of the debate about the Vietnam War.
During the Vietnam War era, the perspectives on patriotism, duty, and the war itself were deeply divided. One side of the debate was represented by individuals and groups who maintained a "my country, right or wrong" stance, believing strongly in supporting their country's actions and policies, including the war effort in Vietnam. This viewpoint often reflected a sense of national loyalty and a belief in the importance of standing behind one's country's decisions, particularly during times of conflict.
On the other side were those who believed that dissent and opposition to the war could also be forms of patriotism. These individuals often felt that true patriotism involved holding one's country to higher standards and principles, even if that meant opposing its actions. They argued that by refusing to participate in what they viewed as an unjust or immoral conflict, they were upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
The question of whether a deserter can be considered a patriot is subjective. From a legal standpoint, desertion is seen as a criminal act, especially during times of war, as it involves abandoning one's duty to the military and, by extension, to one's country. However, moral and ethical considerations can complicate this view. Some argue that true patriotism sometimes requires challenging unjust or immoral policies. In this view, a deserter who refuses to serve in what they believe to be an unjust or immoral conflict might be seen as acting in the best interests of their country's true values, thus framing their actions as a form of patriotic resistance.
In times of widespread support for a military action, deserters are more likely to be vilified. Conversely, in situations where public opinion turns against a conflict, deserters who acted on moral or ethical grounds may gain more sympathy and even admiration for their courage to resist.
Some philosophers and ethicists argue that patriotism should not be uncritically synonymous with government or military policy support, believing that a true patriot might be someone who acts according to their conscience, striving to uphold their nation's values even when that means opposing its policies or military actions.
Legally a deserter is a member of the armed forces who willfully abandons their duty without the intention to return. The Uniform Code of Military Justice which is the foundation of military law in the U.S., specifies the penalties for desertion. Under the law desertion carries severe penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment, forfeiture of pay, dishonorable discharge, and even the death penalty under certain wartime conditions, although the latter was rarely applied by 1967.
If this had meaning for you, please consider supporting my efforts by Patreon: patreon.com/allinaday and Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/allinaday12
Thank you.
